Hub port selection criteria: An application for hub port selection in Turkey

Hub ports are large-scale loading/unloading centers, which handle cargoes specific to their hinterland area and they are superior to other ports in the region in terms of location, facilities, ancillary services and the environment. The globalization in the world and the increasing commercial competition between regions and continents have brought forward the competition of the hub ports and many studies have been conducted on the selection criteria of the hub ports. In the study, hub port selection criteria have been found by literature review. Confirmation of selection criteria's employability to assess a hub port in Turkey and the port information showing the potential to become a hub port in Turkey has been taken from the academics and private sector with an open-ended survey. In the light of this information, five potential hub ports and seven hub port selection criteria have been found. The criteria have been evaluated from the point of view of the forwarders as well as the shipping lines and lastly from the combined point of view. According to the general results, the most important hub port selection criteria are; proximity to the market and hinterland, port location, port charges, port intermodal network, port infrastructure, efficiency of handling equipment and port capacity. The most suitable ports to be the hub ports among the ports evaluated has been found as Ambarlı Port, Kocaeli Port, Mersin Port, Aliağa Port and Asyaport. Keywords: Hub Port, Hub Port Selection Criteria, Container Transportation